Kit Kat-maker Nestle vows to slash sugar in sweets, but claims they’ll use science to keep taste the same
The chocolate making firm have said that they will replace sugar with existing ingredients
NESTLE has vowed to cut sugar in products such as Kit Kat, Aero and Smarties by ten per cent.
Bosses say they will replace it with existing ingredients, which could mean more cocoa, wafer or caramel in products.
It will also make sure products are below a certain number of calories.
Health campaigners welcomed the move.
But there were fears from fans of its chocolate and sweets who fear a recipe revamp will lead to the taste changing.
Aero fan Matthew Cottrell, 29, a mortgage advisor, from St Neots, Cambs, said: “I cannot imagine how this won’t make bars taste different.
“I understand that the we all need to eat less sugar but that’s surely a choice we can all make not be forced into? I exercise so when I have a treat I want it to taste just how I know it.”
Nestle firm says it will replace sugar with existing ingredients - this could mean more cocoa generally.
In with specific examples, more cereal and caramel in Lion bars, more biscuit and caramel in Toffee Crisp and more wafer in Kit Kat.
The giant also pointed to science as a way to cut sugar and keep taste. It is patenting a new way to reformulate sugar to make its molecules bigger - so they can use less and still create the same level of sweetness.
It announced the breakthrough in December and reckons it allows it to use 40 per cent less for the same taste.
Sugar in chocolate varies but milk chocolate is typically around 50 per cent, white around 60 per cent and dark below 40 per cent and as low as zero.
Nestle will make sure products are below a certain number of calories - a limit which is yet to be set.
Health campaigners welcomed the move.
Duncan Selbie, head of of Public Health England, said: “Nestlé is the latest household name to commit to making everyday products healthier and we’re delighted this is just the start of its efforts.
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“This sends a clear message that reducing sugar in food is possible, even in products that are typically harder to reformulate.”
Tam Fry, from the National Obesity Forum, said: “Nestle should be applauded for this move, which will cut thousands of unnecessary calories from the nation’s diet.
“As a nation, we eat twice as much sugar as we should, and children consume three times as much sugar as they should.
“I hope companies will now follow Nestle’s examples, so we can bring these harmful figures down.
“I’m sure Nestle will ensure the taste and sweetness of their products remains unchanged, so consumers will have nothing to worry about.”
Excess sugar in our diet contributes to obesity, which increases the risk of heart attacks, type-2 diabetes and cancer.
Fiona Kendrick, UK boss of Nestlé UK said: “Our confectionery brands have been enjoyed in the UK for more than a century and we know that if we can improve these products nutritionally, provide more choice and information for the consumer, together with other categories, we can have a significant impact on public health.”
Yesterday’s announcement comes before the details of the sugar tax on soft drinks is announced in today’s Budget.